Mthethwa condemns Khutsong violence

Too often protests turn violent and mob justice is meted out to those perceived to be guilty of a crime. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)

"You cannot resolve crime through committing crime. It is simply unacceptable," Mthethwa said on Monday.

This is in the wake of mob justice incidents in Khutsong, Gauteng, on Sunday night, where six people were attacked and killed for allegedly being involved in gangsterism.

It is alleged that on Sunday, about 400 Khutsong male community members gathered for a meeting in an open field in Extension 1 to discuss gangsterism in the area.

Shortly after the meeting, they split into smaller groups. One of the groups proceeded to a house in Extension 3, where it attacked a 61-year-old traditional healer and set him and his house alight. He died as a result of his injuries.

Splinter groups went on and searched for known gangsters in the community. Two were set alight, while others were stoned to death.

Police were called to the area, but the vehicles that responded to the calls were stoned and damaged.

Mthethwa said the challenge of crime facing Khutsong is not unique and in most communities, "people do not resort to lawlessness or become arm-chair critics".

"What is really worrying is the fact that the perpetrators of such acts are often perceived as heroes by some members of communities when such barbaric killings take place. Police are in hot pursuit of these so-called 'heroes' because there is nothing heroic when you burn and kill people," said Mthethwa.

Government, the minister said, will not tolerate kangaroo courts that decide the fate of other people's lives.

"That is criminality and nothing else. The task of society is to report those who commit crime to the police and in turn the police, will apprehend them," said Mthethwa.

Police have increased their visibility in the area. The Public Order Policing Unit has also been roped in to help stabilise Khutsong.

The area is volatile and police are patrolling.